Synthesis of elastomeric carborane-siloxanes by hydrosilation reactions

ABSTRACT

A carborane-siloxane compound is provided having the repeat unit  
                 
 
Q contains any of —SiR 2 —, —SiR 2 —O—, —C≡C—C≡C—, carboranyl, and U′. Each R and R′ is alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, haloalkyl, haloaryl, or mixtures thereof. Each U′ is derivable from hydrosilation of an alkenyl or alkynyl group. Each T is alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, haloalkyl, haloaryl, mixtures thereof, —(O—SiR′ 2 ) x H, or the repeat unit. Each x and x′ is a positive integer. The compounds may be made be reacting a carborane-siloxane precursor having unsaturated end groups with a siloxane crosslinker in the presence of a hydrosilation catalyst.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/541,017, filed on O₂/03/2004, incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to siloxane-carborane polymers.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Carboranylenesiloxanes are highly sought after high temperature,thermally and thermo-oxidatively stable materials, which have been ofparticular interest to aerospace and defense industries especially foruse in sealing assemblies for landing gears, flight control, and fuelsystems and in coating insulations for cables (Dvomic et al., Hightemperature Siloxane Elastomers, Huthig & Wepf, Heidelberg, Germany1990). (All referenced publications and patents are incorporated byreference.) There is also a high demand for such materials in theelectronic industry in the manufacture of resist layers of computerchips. However, the existing carboranylenesiloxanes are generally lowmolecular weight polymers, a fact that has precluded their use inapplications requiring high molecular weight materials (Papetti et al.,“A New Series of Organoboranes 7. Preparation of Polym-carboranylenesiloxanes,” J. Polym. Sci. Part A-1, 4, 1623 (1966);Mayes et al., “Carborane Polymers 4. Polysiloxanes,” Polym. Sci. PartA-1, 5, 365 (1967)). A solution to this problem was devised by theintroduction of unsaturated crosslinkable units in such materials, whichon curing yielded extended polymer networks of sufficient strength forvarious applications (Henderson et al., “Synthesis and Characterizationof Poly(carborane-siloxane-acetylene),” Macromolecules, 27(6), 1660(1997)). In practice, all such derivatives on curing have been known tobe converted to plastics, which have thus restricted their use to mainlystructural components (Bucca et al., “Oxidation-resistant thermosetsderived from thermal copolymerization of acetylenic monomers containingboron and silicon,” J. Polym. Sci. Part A: Polym. Chem., 37(23), 4356(1999); Homrighausen et al., “Synthesis and characterization of asilarylene-siloxane-diacetylene polymer and its conversion to athermosetting plastic,” Polymer, 43(9), 2619 (2002)). However, inapplications involving high temperature coatings, sealings, composites,etc., there is a need for elastomeric materials. There is also a needfor the curing to be effected in an expeditious manner under an ambientor inert atmosphere. The existing methodologies for the curing ofcarboranylenesiloxanes with unsaturated internal or terminalcrosslinkable groups are by thermal crosslinking of the unsaturatedgroups or by the crosslinking of these groups by the use ofchloroplatinic acid (H₂PtCl₆.6H₂O), a hydrosilation catalyst (Houser etal., “Hydrosilation routes to materials with high thermal and oxidativestabilities,” J. Polym. Sci. Part A: Polym. Chem., 36(11), 1969 (1998);U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,981,678 and 6,225,247). The thermal curing reactionrequires a temperature between 250-400° C. for several hours, and thehydrosilation reaction using chloroplatinic acid requires several hoursor days. These constraints inherent in the existing systems, in additionto the alluded tendency of the materials to be converted into plasticson curing, consequently have precluded the use of these systems inelastomeric applications.

It is believed that the inability to control the extent of curing inthese materials is the main reason for their plasticity on curing, as itresults in inordinately extensive crosslinked systems. For example, onthermal curing a known polymer poly(carboranesiloxane-acetylene) is soextensively crosslinked that it inevitably converts into a plastic.Houser and Keller reported previously that an extensively crosslinkedsystem was produced from reaction of divinyl-terminatedcarboranesiloxane containing compound with poly(methylhydrosiloxane) inthe presence of a hydrosilation catalyst resulting in the formation of aplastic. In this case, the unsuitability of the product's characteristic(brittleness) is compounded by the fact that a reaction time of severaldays was required to complete the curing. This is due to an inherentdeficiency in the catalyst, which is an outcome of its associatedmechanism. It has been well established that a hydrosilation catalystsuch as chloroplatinic acid functions as a heterogeneous catalyst (Lewiset al., “Platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation—colloid formation as theessential step,” J. Am. Chem. Soc., 108(23), 7228 (1986)). The Pt metalis converted into a colloidal form during the induction step and thecatalysis occurs at the colloidal Pt. Unfortunately, chloroplatinic acidforms larger colloidal particles compared to other heterogeneoushydrosilation catalysts such as the Karstedt catalyst, Pt[COD]₂, etc,which can form very fine Pt colloids. Thus, the latter catalysts areinfinitely superior to chloroplatinic acid, and hence, facilitatehydrosilation reactions in an expeditious manner. It is also known thatthese heterogeneous hydrosilation catalysts require the presence of O₂to perform hydrosilation and hence, would not be effective as catalystsunder an inert atmosphere (Lewis, “On the mechanism of metal colloidcatalyzed hydrosilylation: proposed explanations for electronic effectsand oxygen cocatalysis,” J. Am. Chem. Soc., 112(16), 5998 (1990)). Forapplications that have to be carried out under an inert atmosphere suchas in composite fabrication or repair, this necessity of theheterogeneous catalysts for O₂ precludes their use as a catalyst in suchapplications.

In the literature, there is a plethora of examples of homogeneoushydrosilation catalysts especially of Pt and Rh metals (Skoda-Foldes etal. “Homogeneous Catalytic Hydrosilylation of the C═C Double Bond in thePresence of Transition-Metal Catalysts,” J. Organomet. Chem., 408(3),297 (1991)). These catalysts have been established to performhydrosilation reactions under an inert atmosphere. For example,homogeneous catalysts such as Pt(PPh₃)₄, PtCl₂(PPh₃)₂, RhCl(PPh₃)₃,RhCl₃.3H₂O, Rh(PPh)₃Cl, etc. are known to facilitate a wide range ofhydrosilation reactions under an inert atmosphere. Some of thesereactions, even though being not as fast as the ones by heterogeneouscatalysts such as Karstedt or Pt(COD)₂, do proceed at an appreciablerate. Another homogeneous catalyst [Rh(COD)Cl]₂ is known to catalyze thehydrosilation of butadiynes, which are close analogues of diacetylenes(Kusumoto et al., “Hydrosilylation of1,4-Bis(trimethylsilyl)-1,3-butadiyne,” Chem. Lett. 9, 1405 (1985);Tillack et al., “Hydrosilylierung von symmetrisch disubstituiertenAlkinen und Butadiinen mit L₂Ni(0)-Butadiin-Komplexen [L=Ph₃P,((o-Tol-O))₃P] als Katalysatoren,” J. Organomet. Chem., 532(1-2), 117(1997); Tillack et al., “Catalytic Asymmetric Hydrosilylation ofButadiynes: A New Synthesis of Optically Active Allenes,” TetrahedronLett., 40(36), 6567 (1999)).

An example of a homogeneous hydrosilation catalyst that affects thecatalysis at a rate that is comparable to that of heterogeneoushydrosilation catalysts is Pt(acac)₂, which functions underphotochemical conditions. It is known to expediently and efficientlycatalyze the hydrosilation of olefins in the presence of wavelengthsof >350 nm (Lewis et al., “Platinum(II) Bis(β-diketonates) asPhotoactivated Hydrosilation Catalysts,” Inorg. Chem., 34(12), 3182(1995); Wang et al., “Photoactivated hydrosilylation reaction ofalkynes,” J. Organomet. Chem., 665(1-2), 1 (2003)). An irradiation of anolefin and silane mixture in CH₂Cl₂ containing the catalyst withwavelengths of >350 nm for 10 min at ambient temperature is foundsufficient to cause a high conversion of the olefin to the hydrosilatedproduct. Another photochemical catalyst, which causes the hydrosilationof olefins expediently at mild temperatures, is Fe(CO)₅ (Randolph et al.“Photochemical reactions of(η⁵-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)dicarbonyliron alkyl and silylcomplexes: reversible ethylene insertion into an iron-silicon bond andimplications for the mechanism of transition-metal-catalyzedhydrosilation of alkenes,” J. Am. Chem. Soc., 108(12), 3366 (1986)).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises a compound comprising a repeat unit as in Eq.(1).

Q comprises groups selected from the group consisting of —SiR₂—,—SiR₂—O—, —C≡C—C≡C—, carboranyl, and U′. Each R and R′ is independentlyselected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, haloalkyl,haloaryl, and mixtures thereof. Each U′ is an independently selectedgroup derivable from hydrosilation of an alkenyl group or an alkynylgroup. Each T is independently selected from the group consisting ofalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, haloalkyl, haloaryl, mixtures thereof,—(O—SiR′₂)_(x)H, and the repeat unit. Each x and x′is an independentlyselected positive integer.

The invention further comprises a compound comprising a repeat unitcomprising the formula:U′—SiR′₂—(O—SiR′₂)_(x)—U′-Q-Q, R, R′, U′, and x′ are as defined above.

The invention further comprises a process of making a compoundcomprising the steps of: providing a carborane-siloxane precursor as inEq. (2), providing a siloxane crosslinker as in Eq. (3), and reactingthe carborane-siloxane precursor with the siloxane crosslinker in thepresence of a hydrosilation catalyst.U-Q-U  (2)SiR″_(n)[(O—SiR′₂)_(x)H]_(4-n)  (3)Q comprises groups selected from the group consisting of —SiR₂—,—SiR₂—O—, —C≡C—C≡C—, carboranyl, and U. Each U is an independentlyselected alkenyl group or alkynyl group. Each R, R′, and R″ isindependently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl,alkylaryl, haloalkyl, haloaryl, and mixtures thereof. Each x is anindependently selected positive integer. n is selected from the groupconsisting of 0, 1, and 2.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention will be readily obtainedby reference to the following Description of the Example Embodiments andthe accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows TGA thermograms in N₂ and air of the network formed from1,7-bis(vinyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane andtetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane.

FIG. 2 shows T_(g) plots for the respective reactions of1,7-bis(vinyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane withtetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (4 C-Ls),methyltris(dimethyldisiloxyl)silane (3 C-Ls/Me), and phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (3 C-Ls/Ph).

FIG. 3 shows T_(g) plots for the reactions of1,7-bis(ethynyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane respectively withtetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (4 C-Ls),methyltris(dimethyldisiloxyl)silane (3 C-Ls/Me) and phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (3 C-Ls/Ph), that result in the reaction ofone of the two reactive bonds of each ethynyl units.

FIG. 4 shows T_(g) plots for the reactions of1,7-bis(ethynyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane respectively withtetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (4 C-Ls),methyltris(dimethyldisiloxyl)silane (3 C-Ls/Me) and phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (3 C-Ls/Ph), that result in the reaction ofboth of the two reactive bonds of each ethynyl units.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The hydrosilation reactions of this invention between carborane-siloxaneprecursors, containing unsaturated terminal or internal groups such asvinyl, ethynyl, diacetylene, etc., and branched or unbranched siloxanecrosslinkers in the presence of homogeneous or heterogeneoushydrosilation catalysts may produce high performance elastomericmaterials of thermally and thermo-oxidatively stablecarboranylenesiloxane network systems.

Advantages of the invention may include: (1) the retention of elasticityin the cured carboranylenesiloxane network polymers, (2) the enhancementin the rate of curing, (3) the versatility of the reactants and thereaction conditions, (4) the ability to tailor the properties of theelastomeric cured polymers, (5) the use of liquid precursors that can bereadily formulated into shaped components, (6) the potential for repairof carbon-based components in outer space, (7) the curing or conversionto elastomers under ambient conditions in either inert or oxidizingconditions, and (8) the fabrication of elastomeric high temperaturecomposite components.

The novel linear polymers of this disclosure are the first describedelastomeric polymers and crosslinked networks containingcarborane-siloxane-acetylene units in the backbone. The synthetic schemeaffords a method for varying the concentration of carborane-siloxane andcrosslinked siloxane-containing units in the elastomer by using advancedcuring catalytic additives. Through crosslinking under ambient andphotochemical conditions, the physical properties of the correspondingelastomers can be tailored. The network elastomeric systems showenhanced thermo-oxidative stability and may be used for structural andcoating applications. With the uses of new curing additives of thisinvention, elastomeric components can be readily fabricated underambient conditions in both inert and oxidizing environments.

In the first step of the process, a carborane-siloxane precursor as inEq. (2) is provided. The carborane-siloxane precursor can be in the formof Eq. (4), where C_(b) is a carboranyl group, and v and w are positiveintegers. The introduction of reactive end groups such as vinyl orethynyl in carboranylenesiloxanes can open avenues for the utilizationof the hydrosilation strategy to the production of elastomeric networks.U—(SiR₂—O)_(v)—SiR₂—C_(b)—SiR₂—(O—SiR₂)—U  (4)

A suitable carboranyl group is —CB₁₀H₁₀C—, commonly known as carborane,which occurs in o-(1,2-), m-(1,7-), and p-(1,10-) forms. A suitable Rgroup is, but is not limited to, methyl. Suitable U groups include, butare not limited to, an ethenyl group, an ethynyl group, and adiacetylene group. A suitable value for v and w is, but is not limitedto, 1. Examples of the carborane-siloxane precursor include, but are notlimited to, 1,7-bis(vinyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane andbis(ethynyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane. More than onecarborane-siloxane precursor can also be used.

The carborane-siloxane precursor may be made be reacting alithium-terminated oligomer with an excess of chlorine-terminatedoligomer, followed by reacting with vinylmagnesium bromide orethynylmagnesium bromide. Each oligomer may contain acetylene,siloxanes, and/or carboranes, including only one such group. By using anexcess of chlorine-terminated oligomer, the resulting compound is alsochlorine-terminated. Alternatively, the chlorine-terminated oligomer maybe used without reacting with the lithium-terminated oligomer. Reactionwith vinylmagnesium bromide or ethynylmagnesium bromide removes thechlorine and adds vinyl or ethynyl groups as the U groups. Suitableoligomers include, but are not limited to, 1,4-dilithiobutadiyne,chlorine-terminated siloxane-carborane oligomers, lithium-terminatedsiloxane-carborane oligomers, chlorine-terminated siloxane-acetyleneoligomers, and chlorine-terminated siloxane-carborane-acetyleneoligomers. Examples of such oligomers and their formation may be foundin Keller et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,237, and Keller et al., U.S. Pat.No. 5,981,678, both incorporated herein by reference.

In the second step of the process, a siloxane crosslinker as in Eq. (3)is provided. The siloxane crosslinker can be described as having acentral silicon atom bonded to at least two hydrogen-terminated siloxanegroups or chains. The remaining bonding sites on the central silicon areoccupied by R″ groups. Suitable R″ groups include, but are not limitedto, methyl and phenyl. Example forms of the siloxane crosslinker areshown in Eq. (5). Each x′, x″, and x′″ is a positive integer, such as 1or 2.

Suitable siloxane crosslinkers include, but are not limited to,tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane, methyl tris(dimethylsiloxy)silane,phenyl tris(dimethylsiloxy)silane, 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethyltrisiloxane,and 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octamethyltetrasiloxane. Such crosslinkers may becommercially available. More than one siloxane crosslinker can also beused.

In the final step of the process, the carborane-siloxane precursor isreacted with the siloxane crosslinker in the presence of a hydrosilationcatalyst. This can form bonds between the unsaturated U groups in thecarborane-siloxane precursor and the terminal silicon atoms in thesiloxane crosslinker. The curing of the carboranylenesiloxane precursorsusing branched or unbranched siloxane crosslinkers can be performedunder ambient conditions in either an oxidizing or an inert atmosphereusing an appropriate catalyst. The reaction may occur by homogenoushydrosilation, non-aqueous heterogeneous hydrosilation, aqueousheterogeneous hydrosilation, or photochemical hydrosilation. Properselection of the catalyst may be based upon its efficacy in a particularreaction condition that produces rapid curing. Suitable hydrosilationcatalysts include, but are not limited to, Karstedt catalyst, Speier'scatalyst, chloroplatinic acid, Pt(COD)₂, Pt(PPh₃)₄, PtCl₂(PPh₃)₂,[Rh(COD)Cl]₂, PtCl₂(PhCN)₂, PtCl₂(diop), PtCl₂(dppb), RhCl(PPh₃)₃,Cp*Rh(C₂H₄)(SiR₃)H, RhCl₃.3H₂O, Rh(PPh)₃Cl, [Cp*Rh]₂Cl₄, [Cp*Rh₂]Cl₃H,{[CP*Rh]₂(OH)₃}⁺, Me₂SiCp*₂Th(n-Bu)₂, Pt(acac)₂, and Fe(CO)₅. More thanone catalyst can also be used.

The dramatic enhancement in curing rate by the heterogeneous Karstedtcatalyst and by the homogeneous Pt(acac)₂ may be the result of theirassociated catalytic mechanisms. The formation during the induction stepof much finer Pt colloids in the case of the Karstedt catalyst, whencompared to chloroplatinic acid, can dramatically enhance the rate ofcuring. While the catalysis was found to require up to 10 days with thelatter, the former affords the same reaction instantaneously. Bycontrolling the concentration of the catalyst and other reactionconditions, it may also been possible to control the reaction rate toany desired value. The production of finer colloidal particles may alsobe beneficial in the formation of void-free networks, which aregenerally not attained by the chloroplatinic acid-catalyzed curing. Theutilized catalyst Pt(acac)₂ also affords a curing rate similar to thatof the Karstedt catalyst.

The versatility of the hydrosilation reactions of this invention isshown by the range of reaction conditions and reactants that have beenused for the production of cured network systems. The curing can beconducted in an oxidizing or an inert atmosphere. The reactions may beperformed using neat reagents and under ambient conditions. Thehydrosilation reactions can tolerate a broad range of functionalitiesand can also be conducted under a specific reaction condition such as aphotochemical condition.

For controlling the exothermicity of the reaction and for uniformityduring processing of the product, hexane may be used as a reactionmedium. The hexane can be dry, as residual moisture can reduce theefficiency of hydrosilation. It has been well documented that thepresence of moisture can lead to an increase in the formation of Si—Siproducts and H₂ during the catalyst initiation process. It can alsopoison the catalyst and introduce voids in the products.

The unbranched siloxane units can impart elasticity to the startingcarborane-siloxane precursors. The hydrosilation reactions canfacilitate these transformations in an expeditious manner, in either anoxidizing or an inert atmosphere and at ambient temperature. Thematerials of this invention can thus be used in the fabrication of hightemperature fiber reinforced elastomeric composite components formilitary and domestic applications.

The product of the process is a compound that can have a repeat unitshown in Eq. 1. The compound may have only one repeat unit, be anoligomer, or be a linear polymer or crosslinked polymer. When a T groupis also a repeat unit, the siloxane end of the T group is bonded to theSi of the first repeat unit. This results in a crosslinked structure,such as in Eq. (6). This structure shows T groups that are R″ groups,repeat units, and —(O—SiR′₂)_(x)H. A repeat unit T group is acarborane-siloxane precursor residue between two siloxane crosslinkerresidues. A —(O—SiR′₂)_(x)H T group is an unreacted hydrogen-terminatedsiloxane chain in the siloxane crosslinker. Methyl and phenyl are alsosuitable T groups. The compound may also have unreacted unsaturatedterminal groups. Suitable unsaturated terminal groups include, but arenot limited to, H₂C═CH—, HC═C—, HC≡C—C≡C—, U—, and U-Q-.

When the carborane-siloxane precursor has the form of Eq. 4, thecompound can have any of the forms in Eq. (7).

The process may also make an oligomer from a carborane-siloxaneprecursor and a siloxane crosslinker having only two hydrogen-terminatedsiloxane chains. This can result in compounds as in Eq. (8), where a 2:1molar ratio of precursor to crosslinker is used. The U′ groups can be—CH₂—CH₂—. This compound is also a carborane-siloxane precursor, asdefined above, that includes unsaturated end groups, which can then bereacted with another siloxane crosslinker having three or fourhydrogen-terminated siloxane chains to produce a thermoset.

When a linear polymer or thermoset is made from an ethynyl-containingprecursor, there may still be double bonds in the compound. These doublebonds can react with another siloxane precursor to form a thermoset orto increase the crosslinking in a thermoset.

The U′ group may be formed from a hydrosilation reaction, although theclaimed compound is not limited to compounds made by hydrosilation. Thetype of unsaturated group and the number of hydrosilation reactions atthe unsaturated group will determine the structure of U′. Suitable U′groups include, but are not limited to,

An example showing a trivalent U′ made from the reaction of a diethynlprecursor with a linear siloxane crosslinker, followed by reaction withanother crosslinker is shown in formula (9).

The compound may have elastomeric properties, depending on the groupsused and the length of the siloxane groups. The retention of elasticitymay be caused by the introduction of flexible siloxane groups in thecarboranylenesiloxane precursors and the utilization of flexiblecrosslinkers with a lesser density of crosslinking sites for the curingreactions. As a result, the production of elastomeric, thermally andthermo-oxidatively stable carboranylenesiloxane networks can beachieved. This opens up several high temperature applications for thematerials in the invention such as in coatings, composites, gaskets,etc. The compound may also be useful as a thermo-oxidative barrier or asan insulating material.

In a typical heterogeneous hydrosilation reaction of this invention, asuitable network may be formed when the carborane-siloxane precursor andthe siloxane crosslinker are mixed in hexane at a Si—H:vinyl ratio ofabout 1.25:1 in the presence of the heterogeneous Karstedt catalyst. Forexample, when 1,7-bis(vinyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane (Eq. (10))was reacted with tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (4 C-Ls) (Eq. (12)), awell-formed elastomeric and void-free network was obtained, which hadhigh thermo-oxidative stabilities. (Refer to the thermograms (FIG. 1) inN₂ (char yield=70%) and in air (char yield=80%). The glass transitiontemperature of the formed network was also very low (−59° C.). The curednetwork formed was thus found to be elastomeric and thermally andthermo-oxidatively stable. FIG. 2 shows the T_(g) plots for therespective reactions of 1,7-bis(vinyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carboranewith tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (Eq. (12)), phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (3 Cs-L/Ph) (Eq. 13)) and methyltris(dimethylsiloxyl)silane (Eq. (14)). FIG. 3 shows the T_(g) plots forthe respective reactions of1,7-bis(ethynyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane (Eq. (11)) withtetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (Eq. (12)), phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (3 Cs-L/Ph) (Eq. 13)) and methyltris(dimethylsiloxyl)silane (Eq. (14)), so as to react one of the tworeactive bonds of each of its ethynyl units. FIG. 4 shows the T_(g)plots for the respective reactions of 1,7bis(ethynyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane withtetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane, phenyl tris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (3Cs-L/Ph) and methyl tris(dimethylsiloxyl)silane, so as to react both ofthe reactive bonds of each of its ethynyl units.

Alternatively, in a typical homogeneous reaction, a mixture of thecarborane-siloxane precursor and the siloxane crosslinker at aSi—H:vinyl ratio of 1.25:1 were mixed in CH₂Cl₂ under argon and placedin a quartz tube charged with a homogeneous catalyst such as Pt(acac)₂.The mixture was then irradiated with a wavelength of >350 nm for 30minutes to yield a well-formed network system. The characteristics ofthe network formed under oxidizing and inert conditions were similar.

The feasibility of formation of networks by these hydrosilationreactions can depend substantially on the Si—H:vinyl ratios of thereactants. Hydrosilation reactions involving varying Si—H:vinyl ratiosbetween the precursor and the crosslinker have shown that there can bean optimum ratio for the formation of well-formed network films. It wasdetermined that a Si—H:vinyl ratio between 1.25:1 and 1.5:1 may workbest. Hence, a ratio of 1.3:1 could be taken to be the optimum. Eventhough the basis for this increased Si—H:vinyl ratio has not beendetermined, it is believed that some portion of the excess crosslinkeris lost in the initiation step of the catalyst in the form of Si—Siproducts.

When the precursor has ethynyl groups, including diacetylene, the amountof crosslinker can be adjusted to react with either one or both of thetriple bonds in each ethynyl group. A higher Si—H:vinyl ratio can resultin an increased T_(g), possibly due to the formation of a tighternetwork. Further, ethynyl groups may result in a higher T_(g) thanethenyl groups, even when only one bond in the ethynyl reacts. Thiscould be attributed to the production of alkenyl links in the ethynylprecursor when compared to alkyl links in the ethenyl precursor afterthe hydrosilations of their reactive functionalities.

Having described the invention, the following examples are given toillustrate specific applications of the invention. These specificexamples are not intended to limit the scope of the invention describedin this application.

Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) were performed on a SDT 2960simultaneous DTA-TGA analyzer. The differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) studies were performed on a DSC 2920 modulated DSC instrument. Allthermal experiments were carried out with heating rates of 10° C./minand a nitrogen flow rate of 100 cc/min. Infrared (IR) spectra wereobtained on a Nicolet Magna 750 Fourier transform infrared spectrometer.Solution-state ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra were acquired on a BrukerAC-300 spectrometer and referenced to the internal solvent peak(chloroform-d, or CDCl₃).

Syntheses of Reactive Carborane-Siloxane Precursors

EXAMPLE 1

Synthesis of 1,7-bis(vinyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane—A flame-dried250 mL Schlenk flask containing1,7-bis(chlorotetramethyldisiloxyl)-m-carborane (26.36 g, 55.33 mmol) inTHF (50 mL) was cooled in an ice bath. The solution was then treatedwith 111 mL of 1.0 M vinyl magnesium bromide (111 mmol), which was addedslowly via syringe. After the addition was complete, the cold bath wasremoved and the resulting solution was allowed to stir at roomtemperature for two hours. The solution was quenched by addition ofMe₃SiCl (3-4 mL) and stirred for 30 min at room temperature. Thereaction was then treated with diethyl ether (30 mL) and cold, saturatedaqueous NH₄Cl (40 mL). The organic layer was separated and the aqueousportion extracted with ether (2×30 mL). The organic extracts werecombined, dried over Na₂SO₄, and the solution filtered through celite.After removal of volatiles with vacuum, the crude product was purifiedby column chromatography (two times, SiO₂) eluting with hexanes.Evaporation of solvent left a pure product (23.01 g, 90%). IR (KBr,cm⁻¹): 3050 (ν_(C—H) —C₂H₃), 2961 (ν_(C—H Si—CH) ₃), 2596 (ν_(B—H)),1596 (ν_(CH—CH2)), 1408 (ν_(—CH2 bend)), 1259 (ν_(Si—C)), 1078(ν_(Si—O)), 794 (ν_(Si—C bend)). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, ppm): 0.167 (Si—CH₃),0.169 (Si—CH₃), 5.681 (—C₂H₃), 5.695 (—C₂H₃), 5.748 (—C₂H₃), 5.761(—C₂H₃), 5.918 (—C₂H₃), 5.934 (—C₂H₃), 5.968 (—C₂H₃), 5.983 (—C₂H₃),6.046 (—C₂H₃), 6.095 (—C₂H₃), 6.112 (—C₂H₃), 6.162 (—C₂H₃). ¹³C{¹H} NMR(CDCl₃, ppm): 0.14 (Si—CH₃), 0.56 (Si—CH₃), 68.49 (m-C₂B₁₀H₁₀), 132.16(—C₂H₃), 138.61 (—C₂H₃).

EXAMPLE 2

Synthesis of 1,7-bis(ethynyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane—Aflame-dried 250 mL Schlenk flask containing1,7-bis(chlorotetramethyldisiloxyl)-m-carborane (15.81 g, 33.11 mmol) inTHF (30 mL) was cooled in an ice bath. The solution was then treatedwith 133 mL of 0.5 M ethynyl magnesium bromide (66.5 mmol), which wasadded slowly via syringe. After the addition was complete, the cold bathwas removed and the resulting solution was allowed to stir at roomtemperature for two hours. The solution was quenched by addition ofMe₃SiCl (2-3 mL) and stirred for 30 min at room temperature. Thereaction was then treated with diethyl ether (30 mL) and cold, saturatedaqueous NH₄Cl (40 mL). The organic layer was separated and the aqueousportion extracted with ether (2×30 mL). The organic extracts werecombined, dried over Na₂SO₄, and the solution filtered through celite.After removal of volatiles with vacuum, the crude product was purifiedby column chromatography (two times, SiO₂) eluting with hexanes.Evaporation of solvent left a pure product (12.41 g, 82%). IR (KBr,cm⁻¹): 3290 (ν_(C—H) —C₂H₃), 2964 (ν_(C—H) Si—CH₃), 2596 (ν_(B—H)), 2039(ν_(C—C)), 1596 (ν_(CH—CH2)), 1260 (ν_(Si—C)), 1080 (ν_(Si—O)), 798(ν_(Si—C bend)). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, ppm): 0.23 (Si—CH₃), 0.27 (Si—CH₃), and2.41 (—C₂H). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (CDCl₃, ppm): 0.25 (Si—CH₃), 1.89 (Si—CH₃),68.15 (m-C₂B₁₀H₁₀), 88.58 (—CCH), 92.64 (—CCH).

Reaction of Carborane-Siloxane Precursors with Siloxane Crosslinkers toForm Longer Chain Precursors

EXAMPLE 3

Reaction of 1,7-bis(vinyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane with1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethyltrisiloxane—In a reaction vial was taken 0.2 g(0.434 mmol) of the product from Example 1. A 0.5 mL portion ofdistilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mix was thoroughlystirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μL syringe, adrop of a 2.1-2.4 wt % Pt-containing Karstedt hydrosilation catalystsolution (purchased from Gelest, which is also used in the rest of theexamples unless otherwise mentioned) was added to the mixture and wasthoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. The linearcross-linking siloxane, 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethyltrisiloxane, (0.055 mL,0.217 mmol) was added drop wise with vigorous stirring via syringe andthe mixture was stirred for 2 more min as before. The catalysis wasinstantaneous. The mixture was then left open to air to evaporate offhexanes and was further vacuum dried at 75° C. for 2 hr to yield an oilyproduct (99%). Spectral data for the trisiloxane-extended product: IR(KBr, cm⁻¹): 3048 (ν_(C—H) —C₂H₃), 2957 (ν_(C—H) Si—CH₃), 2598(ν_(B—H)), 1596 (ν_(CH—CH2)), 1409 (ν_(CH2 bend)), 1255 (ν_(Si—C)), 1077(ν_(Si—O)), 789 (ν_(Si—C bend)). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, ppm): 0.014(Si—CH₃),0.055(Si—CH₃), 0.061(Si—CH₃), 0.148 (Si—CH₃), 0.155 (Si—CH₃),0.409(—C₂H₄—), 5.666 (—C₂H₃), 5.680 (—C₂H₃), 5.732 (—C₂H₃), 5.747(—C₂H₃), 5.902 (—C₂H₃), 5.917 (—C₂H₃), 5.952 (—C₂H₃), 5.966 (—C₂H₃),6.030 (—C₂H₃), 6.080 (—C₂H₃), 6.101 (—C₂H₃), 6.146 (—C₂H₃). ¹³C{¹H} NMR(CDCl₃, ppm): −0.57 (Si—CH₃), −0.51 (Si—CH₃), 0.15 (Si—CH₃), 0.58(Si—CH₃), 0.63 (Si—CH₃), 1.34 (Si—CH₃), 9.45 (—C₂H₄—), 68.60(m-C₂B₁₀H₁₀), 68.46 (m-C₂B₁₀H₁₀), 132.17 (—C₂H₃), 138.62 (—C₂H₃).

EXAMPLE 4

Reaction of 1,7-bis(vinyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane and1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octamethyltetrasiloxane—In a reaction vial was taken 0.2g (0.434 mmol) of the product from Example 1. A 0.5 mL portion ofdistilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mixture was thoroughlystirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μL syringe, adrop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to the mixture and wasthoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. 0.071 mL (0.217 mmol)by volume of the linear cross-linking siloxane,1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octamethyltetrasiloxane was added drop wise withvigorous stirring via syringe and the mix was stirred for 2 more min asbefore. The catalysis was instantaneous. The mixture was then left opento air to evaporate off hexanes and was further vacuum dried at 75° C.for 2 hr to yield an oily product (99%). Spectral data for thetetrasiloxane-extended product: IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3049 (ν_(C—H) —C₂H₃),2957 (ν_(C—H) Si—CH₃), 2591 (ν_(B—H)), 1596 (ν_(CH—CH2)), 1412(ν_(—CH2 bend)), 1258 (ν_(Si—C)), 1077 (ν_(Si—O)), 796 (ν_(Si—C bend)).¹H NMR (CDCl₃, ppm): 0.039(Si—CH₃), 0.064(Si—CH₃), 0.150(Si—CH₃), 0.157(Si—CH₃), 0.416(—C₂H₄—), 5.669 (—C₂H₃), 5.683 (—C₂H₃), 5.736 (—C₂H₃),5.750 (—C₂H₃), 5.905 (—C₂H₃), 5.919 (—C₂H₃), 5.954 (—C₂H₃), 5.969(—C₂H₃), 6.034 (—C₂H₃), 6.083 (—C₂H₃), 6.100 (—C₂H₃), 6.149 (—C₂H₃).¹³C{¹H} NMR (CDCl₃, ppm): −0.58 (Si—CH₃), -0.54 (Si—CH₃), 0.15 (Si—CH₃),0.57 (Si—CH₃), 0.61 (Si—CH₃), 1.24 (Si—CH₃), 9.43 (—C₂H₄—), 68.65(m-C₂B₁₀H₁₀), 68.50 (m-C₂B₁₀H₁₀), 132.17 (—C₂H₃), 138.61 (—C₂H₃).

EXAMPLE 5

Reaction of 1,7-bis(ethynyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane and1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethyltrisiloxane—In a reaction vial was taken 0.2 g(0.438 mmol) of the product from Example 2. 0.056 mL (0.219 mmol) of thelinear cross-linking siloxane, 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethyltrisiloxane, wasadded drop wise with vigorous stirring via syringe and was stirred fortwo minutes. A 0.5 mL portion of distilled hexanes was added to the vialand the mix was thoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min.Using a 500 μL syringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution wasadded to the mixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes asbefore. The catalytic reaction was instantaneous. The mixture was thenleft open to air to evaporate off hexanes and was further vacuum driedat 75° C. for 2 hr to yield an oily product (99%). Spectral data for thetrisiloxane-extended product: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, ppm): 0.058(Si—CH₃), 0.086(Si—CH₃), 0.135(Si—CH₃), 0.196(Si—CH₃), 0.219 (Si—CH₃), 0.227 (Si—CH₃),2.32 (—C₂H), 6.569 (—CHCH—). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (CDCl₃, ppm): 0.048 (Si—CH₃),0.161 (Si—CH₃), 0.273 (Si—CH₃), 0.628 (Si—CH₃), 1.266 (Si—CH₃), 1.924(Si—CH₃), 68.161 (m-C₂B₁₀H₁₀), 68.562 (m-C₂B₁₀H₁₀), 88.588 (—CCH),92.641 (—CCH), 149.211 (—CHCH—), 150.882 (—CHCH—).

EXAMPLE 6

Reaction of 1,7-bis(ethynyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane and1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octamethyltetrasiloxane—In a reaction vial was taken 0.2g (0.438 mmol) of the product from Example 2. 0.072 mL (0.219 mmol) ofthe linear cross-linking siloxane,1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octamethyltetrasiloxane was added drop wise withvigorous stirring via syringe and was stirred for two minutes. A 0.5 mLportion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mix wasthoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μLsyringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. Thecatalytic reaction was instantaneous. The mixture was then left open toair to evaporate off hexanes and was further vacuum dried at 75° C. for2 hr to yield an oily product (99%). Spectral data for thetetrasiloxane-extended product: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, ppm): 0.076(Si—CH₃),0.155(Si—CH₃), 0.209(Si—CH₃), 0.229 (Si—CH₃), 0.247 (Si—CH₃), 2.39(—C₂H), 6.574 (—CHCH—). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (CDCl₃, ppm): 0.047 (Si—CH₃), 0.159(Si—CH₃), 0.278 (Si—CH₃), 0.620 (Si—CH₃), 1.262 (Si—CH₃), 1.914(Si—CH₃), 68.164 (m-C₂B₁₀H₁₀), 68.566 (m-C₂B₁₀H₁₀), 88.590 (—CCH),92.645 (—CCH), 149.209 (—CHCH—), 150.886 (—CHCH—).

Reaction of Carborane-Siloxane Precursors with Siloxane Crosslinkers toForm Linear Polymer

EXAMPLE 7

Reaction of 1,7-bis(vinyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane and1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethyltrisiloxane—In a reaction vial was taken 0.2 g(0.434 mmol) of the product from Example 1. A 0.5 mL portion ofdistilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mix was thoroughlystirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μL syringe, adrop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to the mixture and wasthoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. 0.11 mL (0.434 mmol)of the linear cross-linking siloxane, 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethyltrisiloxane,was added drop wise with vigorous stirring via syringe and the mix wasstirred for 2 more minutes as before. The catalytic reaction wasinstantaneous. The mixture was then left open to air to evaporate offhexanes and was further vacuum dried at 75° C. for 2 hr to yield aviscous oil (99%). As there were no reactive vinyl groups in the productother than a few terminal vinyl groups, it would not be appreciablycrosslinked further. However, the product was found to be useful as acoating material (ref: Example 62). Spectral data: IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3048(ν_(C—H) —C₂H₃), 2957 (ν_(C—H) Si—CH₃), 2598 (ν_(B—H)), 1255 (ν_(Si—C)),1077 (ν_(Si—O)), 789 (ν_(Si—C bend)). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, ppm):0.014(Si—CH₃), 0.055(Si—CH₃), 0.061(Si—CH₃), 0.148 (Si—CH₃), 0.155(Si—CH₃), 1.109(—C₂H₄—). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (CDCl₃, ppm): −0.57 (Si—CH₃), −0.51(Si—CH₃), 0.15 (Si—CH₃), 0.58 (Si—CH₃), 0.63 (Si—CH₃), 1.34 (Si—CH₃),9.45 (—C₂H₄—), 68.60 (m-C₂B₁₀H₁₀), 68.46 (m-C₂B₁₀H₁₀). The resonancesfor the terminal vinyl groups appeared as very minor absorptions in both¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra.

EXAMPLE 8

Reaction of 1,7-bis(vinyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane and1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octamethyltetrasiloxane—In a reaction vial was taken 0.2g (0.434 mmol) of the product from Example 1. A 0.5 mL portion ofdistilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mix was thoroughlystirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μL syringe, adrop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to the mixture and wasthoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. 0.142 mL (0.434 mmol)of the linear cross-linking siloxane,1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octamethyltetrasiloxane, was added drop wise withvigorous stirring via syringe. The catalytic reaction was instantaneous.The mixture was then left open to air to evaporate off hexanes and wasfurther vacuum dried at 75° C. for 2 hr to yield a viscous oil (99%). Asthere were no reactive vinyl groups in the product other than a fewterminal vinyl groups, it would not be appreciably crosslinked further.However, the product was found to be useful as a coating material (ref:Example 63). Spectral data: IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3048 (ν_(C—H) —C₂H₃), 2957(ν_(C—H) Si—CH₃), 2598 (ν_(B—H)), 1255 (ν_(Si—C)), 1077 (ν_(Si—O)), 789(ν_(Si—C bend)) ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, ppm): 0.014 (Si—CH₃), 0.055 (Si—CH₃),0.061 (Si—CH₃), 0.148 (Si—CH₃), 0.155 (Si—CH₃), 1.008 (—C₂H₄—). ¹³C{(H}NMR (CDCl₃, ppm): −0.57 (Si—CH₃), −0.51 (Si—CH₃), 0.15 (Si—CH₃), 0.58(Si—CH₃), 0.63 (Si—CH₃), 1.34 (Si—CH₃), 9.45 (—C₂H₄), 68.60(m-C₂B₁₀H₁₀), 68.46 (m-C₂B₁₀H₁₀). The resonances for the terminal vinylgroups appeared as very minor absorptions in both ¹H and ¹³C NMRspectra.

EXAMPLE 9

Reaction of 1,7-bis(ethynyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane and1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethyltetrasiloxane—In a reaction vial was taken 0.2 g(0.438 mmol) of the product from Example 2. 0.111 mL (0.438 mmol) of thelinear cross-linking siloxane, 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethyltetrasiloxane wasadded drop wise with vigorous stirring via syringe and was stirred fortwo minutes. A 0.5 mL portion of distilled hexanes was added to the vialand the mix was thoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min.Using a 500 μL syringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution wasadded to the mixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes asbefore. The catalytic reaction was instantaneous. The mixture was thenleft open to air to evaporate off hexanes and was further vacuum driedat 75° C. for 2 hr to yield an oily product (99%). Spectral data: ¹H NMR(CDCl₃, ppm): 0.034 (Si—CH₃), 0.048(Si—CH₃), 0.069(Si—CH₃),0.146(Si—CH₃), 6.488 (—CHCH—). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (CDCl₃, ppm): 0.074 (Si—CH₃),0.181 (Si—CH₃), 0.666 (Si—CH₃), 0.812 (Si—CH₃), 1.282 (Si—CH₃), 68.539(m-C₂B₁₀H₁₀), 149.248 (—CHCH—), 150.931 (—CHCH—). The terminal ethynylgroups were present as very low intensity resonances at 88.588 (—CCH),92.639 (—CCH).

EXAMPLE 10

Reaction of 1,7-bis(ethynyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane and1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octamethyltetrasiloxane—In a reaction vial was taken 0.2g (0.438 mmol) of the product from Example 2. 0.144 mL (0.438 mmol) ofthe linear cross-linking siloxane,1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octamethyltetrasiloxane was added drop wise withvigorous stirring via syringe and was stirred for two minutes. A 0.5 mLportion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mix wasthoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μLsyringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. Thecatalytic reaction was instantaneous. The mixture was then left open toair to evaporate off hexanes and was further vacuum dried at 75° C. for2 hours to yield an oily product (99%). Spectral data: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃,ppm): 0.057(Si—CH₃), 0.072(Si—CH₃), 0.156(Si—CH₃), 6.580 (—CHCH—).¹³C{¹H} NMR (CDCl₃, ppm): 0.078 (Si—CH₃), 0.188 (Si—CH₃), 0.665(Si—CH₃), 0.800 (Si—CH₃), 1.297 (Si—CH₃), 68.543 (m-C₂B₁₀H₁₀), 149.251(—CHCH—), 150.925 (—CHCH—). The terminal ethynyl groups were present asvery low intensity resonances at 88.590 (—CCH), 92.634 (—CCH).

Reaction of Carborane-Siloxane Precursors with Siloxane Crosslinkers toForm Thermosets

EXAMPLE 11

Curing of the product from Example 1 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst(heterogeneous catalysis) (at a Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.5:1)—In a reactionvial was added 0.2 g (0.434 mmol) of product from Example 1. A 0.5 mLportion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mix wasthoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μLsyringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. A0.12 mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.3255 mmol;Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.5:1) was added via syringe to the mixture and wasstirred vigorously for 2 min. The curing was instantaneous. The mixturemay now be transferred to a Teflon mold to form films or be left in thevial to evaporate off the volatiles to yield a disk. The films or thedisks formed were clear and were void-free. The thermal properties ofthe material were: Char yield at 1000° C. (in N₂): 70%. Char yield at1000° C. (in air): 80%. Glass transition temperature (T_(g)): -46° C.The material formed was thus found to be elastomeric and thermally andthermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 12

Curing of product from Example 1 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (at aSi—H:vinyl ratio of 1.25:1)—The curing in Example 11 was repeated with aSi—H:vinyl ratio of 1.25:1. However, the product was a harder solid thanthe one obtained in Example 11.

EXAMPLE 13

Curing of product from Example 1 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (at aSi—H:vinyl ratio of 1.75:1)—The curing in Example 11 was repeated with aSi—H:vinyl ratio of 1.75:1. However, the product was more fluid innature than the one obtained in Example 11.

EXAMPLE 14

Curing of product from Example 1 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the photochemical catalyst,Pt(acac)₂ (homogeneous catalysis) (at a Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.38:1)—Aflame-dried quartz photochemical reaction tube was charged with 10 mg(0.0254 mmol) of Pt(acac)₂ under Ar in a dry box. 1 mL of CH₂Cl₂ wasadded to it to yield a pale yellow catalyst solution. In a separatevial, the product from Example 1 (0.2 g; 0.434 mmol) andtetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.11 mL; 0.299 mmol) were stirred fortwo min to yield a mixture with a Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.38:1. Thismixture was syringed into the catalyst solution under argon, and thereaction tube was inserted into a Rayonet Photochemical ReactionInstrument. The sample was irradiated for 30 min using a >300 nm (Pyrexfiltered) radiation while being constantly agitated by a stream of argonwhich was passed via needle. After this period, the irradiation wasstopped and the quartz tube was taken out of the reactor. The formationof a cured gel was observed. (The reaction was essentially complete inthe first 5 min). The thermal properties: Char yield at 1000° C. (inN₂): 81%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 92%. T_(g): −46° C. Thematerial formed was thus found to be elastomeric and thermally andthermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 15

Curing of the product from Example 1 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (at aSi—H:vinyl ratio of 1.25:1)—The curing in Example 14 was repeated with aSi—H:vinyl ratio of 1.25:1. However, the product was a harder solid thanthe one obtained in Example 14.

EXAMPLE 16

Curing of the product from Example 1 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (atSi—H:vinyl ratio of 1.6:1)—The curing in Example 14 was repeated with aSi—H:vinyl ratio of 1.6:1. However, the product was more fluid in naturethan the one obtained in Example 14.

EXAMPLE 17

Curing of the product from Example 1 with the cross-linker methyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (at a Si—H:vinylratio of 1.30:1)—In a reaction vial was taken 0.2 g (0.434 mmol) ofproduct from Example 1. A 0.5 mL portion of distilled hexanes was addedto the vial and the mix was thoroughly stirred using a mechanicalstirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μL syringe, a drop of the Karstedtcatalyst solution was added to the mixture and was thoroughly stirredfor two more minutes as before. A 0.12 mL portion ofmethyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.376 mmol; Si—H:vinyl ratio of1.30:1) was added via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorouslyfor 2 min. The curing was instantaneous. The fabricated films or diskswere clear and were void-free. The thermal properties: Char yield at1000° C. (in N₂): 48%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 70%. T_(g): −59°C. The material formed was thus found to be elastomeric and thermallyand thermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 18

Curing of the product from Example 1 with the cross-linker methyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (at a Si—H:vinylratio of 0.9:1)—The curing in Example 17 was repeated with a Si—H:vinylratio of 0.9:1. However, the product was more fluid than the oneobtained in Example 17.

EXAMPLE 19

Curing of product from Example 1 with the cross-linker methyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (at a Si—H:vinylratio of 1.10:1)—The curing in Example 17 was repeated with a Si—H:vinylratio of 1.10:1. However, the product was a harder solid than the oneobtained in Example 17.

EXAMPLE 20

Curing of the product from Example 1 with the cross-linker phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (at a Si—H:vinylratio of 1.30:1)—In a reaction vial was taken 0.2 g (0.434 mmol) ofproduct from Example 1. A 0.5 mL portion of distilled hexanes was addedto the vial and the mix was thoroughly stirred using a mechanicalstirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μL syringe, a drop of the Karstedtcatalyst solution was added to the mixture and was thoroughly stirredfor two more minutes as before. A 0.13 mL portion ofphenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.376 mmol; Si—H:vinyl ratio of1.30:1) was added via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorouslyfor 2 min. The curing was instantaneous. The fabricated films or diskswere clear and were void-free. The thermal properties: Char yield at1000° C. (in N₂): 67%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 76%. T_(g): −48°C. The material formed was thus found to be elastomeric and thermallyand thermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 21

Curing of the product from Example 1 with the cross-linker phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (at a Si—H:vinylratio of 1.25:1)—The curing in Example 20 was repeated with a Si—H:vinylratio of 1.25:1. However, the product was a harder solid than the oneobtained in Example 20.

EXAMPLE 22

Curing of the product from Example 1 with the cross-linker phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (at a Si—H:vinylratio of 1.50:1)—The curing in Example 20 was repeated with a Si—H:vinylratio of 1.50:1. However, the product was more fluid than the oneobtained in Example 20.

EXAMPLE 23

Curing of the product from Example 3 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (at aSi—H:vinyl ratio of 1.25:1)—In a reaction vial was taken 0.235 g (0.208mmol) of product from Example 3. A 0.5 mL portion of distilled hexaneswas added to the vial and the mix was thoroughly stirred using amechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μL syringe, a drop of theKarstedt catalyst solution was added to the mixture and was thoroughlystirred for two more minutes as before. A 0.05 mL portion oftetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.1296 mmol; Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.25:1)was added via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorously for 2min. The curing was instantaneous. The fabricated films or disks wereclear and were void-free. The thermal properties: Char yield at 1000° C.(in N₂): 51%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 71%. T_(g): below −70° C.The material formed was thus found to be elastomeric and thermally andthermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 24

Curing of the product from Example 4 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (at aSi—H:vinyl ratio of 1.25:1)—In a reaction vial was taken 0.25 g (0.207mmol) of product from Example 4. A 0.5 mL portion of distilled hexaneswas added to the vial and the mix was thoroughly stirred using amechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μL syringe, a drop of theKarstedt catalyst solution was added to the mixture and was thoroughlystirred for two more minutes as before. A 0.05 mL portion oftetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.1296 mmol; Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.25:1)was added via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorously for 2min. The curing was instantaneous. The fabricated films or disks wereclear and were void-free. The thermal properties: Char yield at 1000° C.(in N₂): 50%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 65%. T_(g): below −70° C.The material formed was thus found to be elastomeric and thermally andthermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 25

Curing of the product from Example 2 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (enough toreact one of the triple bonds of the ethynyl bond) in hexane—In areaction vial was taken 0.2 g (0.438 mmol) of product from Example 2. A0.5 mL portion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mixwas thoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500μL syringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. A 0.1mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.2715 mmol, Si—H:ethynylratio of 1.25:1) was added via syringe to the mixture and was stirredvigorously for 2 min. The curing was instantaneous. The fabricated filmsor disks were clear and were void-free. The thermal properties: Charyield at 1000° C. (in N₂): 81%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 88%.T_(g): −28° C. The material formed was thus found to be elastomeric andthermally and thermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 26

Curing of the product from Example 2 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (enough toreact one of the triple bonds of the ethynyl bond) in water—In areaction vial was taken 0.2 g (0.438 mmol) of product from Example 2. A0.5 mL portion of distilled water was added to the vial and the mix wasthoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μLsyringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. A0.11 mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.2715 mmol,Si—H:ethynyl ratio of 1.25:1) was added via syringe to the mixture andwas stirred vigorously for 2 min. The curing was instantaneous. Thefabricated films or disks were clear and were void-free. The thermalproperties: Char yield at 1000° C. (in N₂): 81%. Char yield at 1000° C.(in air): 88%. T_(g): −28° C. The material formed was thus found to beelastomeric and thermally and thermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 27

Curing of the product from Example 2 with the cross-linker methyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (enough to reactone of the triple bonds of the ethynyl bond) in hexane—In a reactionvial was taken 0.2 g (0.438 mmol) of product from Example 2. A 0.5 mLportion of hexane was added to the vial and the mix was thoroughlystirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μL syringe, adrop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to the mixture and wasthoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. A 0.12 mL portion ofmethyltris(dimethylsiloxyl)silane (0.2715 mmol, Si—H:ethynyl ratio of1.25:1) was added via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorouslyfor 2 min. The curing was instantaneous. The cured product was extractedinto diethyl ether. The fabricated films or disks were clear and werevoid-free. The thermal properties: Char yield at 1000° C. (in N₂): 70%.Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 82%. T_(g): −37° C. The material formedwas thus found to be elastomeric and thermally and thermo-oxidativelystable.

EXAMPLE 28

Curing of the product from Example 2 with the cross-linker phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (enough to reactone of the triple bonds of the ethynyl bond) in hexane—In a reactionvial was taken 0.2 g (0.438 mmol) of product from Example 2. A 0.5 mLportion of hexane was added to the vial and the mix was thoroughlystirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μL syringe, adrop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to the mixture and wasthoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. A 0.13 mL portion ofphenyltris(dimethylsiloxyl)silane (0.2715 mmol, Si—H:ethynyl ratio of1.25:1) was added via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorouslyfor 2 min. The curing was instantaneous. The cured product was extractedinto diethyl ether. The fabricated films or disks were clear and werevoid-free. The thermal properties: Char yield at 1000° C. (in N₂): 78%.Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 83%. T_(g): −36° C. The material formedwas thus found to be elastomeric and thermally and thermo-oxidativelystable.

EXAMPLE 29

Curing of the product from Example 2 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (enough toreact both the triple bonds of the ethynyl bond) in hexane—In a reactionvial was added 0.2 g (0.438 mmol) of product from Example 2. A 0.5 mLportion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mix wasthoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μLsyringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. A0.22 mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.543 mmol,Si—H:ethynyl ratio of 1.25:1) was added via syringe to the mixture andwas stirred vigorously for 2 min. The curing was instantaneous. Thefabricated films or the disks were clear and were void-free. The thermalproperties: Char yield at 1000° C. (in N₂): 72%. Char yield at 1000° C.(in air): 85%. T_(g): −6.0° C. with minor transitions at 13.87° C. and56.11° C. The material formed was thus found to be elastomeric andthermally and thermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 30

Curing of the product from Example 2 with the cross-linker methyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (enough to reactboth the triple bonds of the ethynyl bond) in hexane—In a reaction vialwas added 0.2 g (0.438 mmol) of product from Example 2. A 0.5 mL portionof distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mix was thoroughlystirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μL syringe, adrop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to the mixture and wasthoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. A 0.24 mL portion ofmethyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.543 mmol, Si—H:ethynyl ratio of1.25:1) was added via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorouslyfor 2 min. The curing was instantaneous. The fabricated films or thedisks were clear and were void-free. The thermal properties: Char yieldat 1000° C. (in N₂): 42%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 77%. T_(g):−23.0° C. with minor transitions at 13.87° C. and 56.11° C. The materialformed was thus found to be elastomeric and thermally andthermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 31

Curing of the product from Example 2 with the cross-linker phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (enough to reactboth the triple bonds of the ethynyl bond) in hexane—In a reaction vialwas added 0.2 g (0.438 mmol) of product from Example 2. A 0.5 mL portionof distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mix was thoroughlystirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μL syringe, adrop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to the mixture and wasthoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. A 0.26 mL portion ofphenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.543 mmol, Si—H:ethynyl ratio of1.25:1) was added via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorouslyfor 2 min. The curing was instantaneous. The fabricated films or thedisks were clear and were void-free. The thermal properties: Char yieldat 1000° C. (in N₂): 56%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 80%. T_(g):−21.0° C. with minor transitions at 13.87° C. and 56.11° C. The materialformed was thus found to be elastomeric and thermally andthermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 32

Curing of the product from Example 6 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (enough toreact both the triple bonds of the ethynyl bond) in hexane—In a reactionvial was added 0.26 g (0.22 mmol) of product from Example 6. A 0.5 mLportion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mix wasthoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μLsyringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. A0.05 mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.14 mmol; Si—H:vinylratio of 1.25:1) was added via syringe to the mixture and was stirredvigorously for 2 min. The curing was instantaneous. The fabricated filmsor the disks were clear and were void-free. The thermal properties: Charyield at 1000° C. (in N₂): 68%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 82%.T_(g): −52.52° C. and minor transitions at 17.42° C. and 41.88° C. Thematerial formed was thus found to be elastomeric and thermally andthermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 33

Curing of the product from Example 10 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst in hexane—Ina reaction vial was added 0.32 g of product from Example 10. A 0.5 mLportion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mix wasthoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μLsyringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. A0.05 mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane was added via syringeto the mixture and was stirred vigorously for 2 min. The curing wasinstantaneous. The fabricated films or be left in the vial to evaporateoff the volatiles to form a disk. The films or the disks formed wereclear and were void-free. The thermal properties: Char yield at 1000° C.(in N₂): 49%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 75%. T_(g): −56.16° C.and a minor transition at 13.31° C. The material formed was thus foundto be elastomeric and thermally and thermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 34

Curing of the product from Example 2 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the photochemical catalyst,Pt(acac)₂ (enough to react one of the triple bonds of the ethynyl bond)in hexane—A flame-dried quartz photochemical reaction tube was chargedwith 10 mg (0.0254 mmol) of Pt(acac)₂ under Ar in a dry box. 1 mL ofCH₂Cl₂ was added to it to yield a pale yellow catalyst solution. In aseparate vial, the product from Example 2 (0.2 g; 0.438 mmol) andtetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.1 mL; 0.274 mmol) were stirred for twominutes to yield a mix with a Si—H:ethynyl ratio of 1.25:1. This mix wassyringed into the catalyst solution under argon, and the reaction tubewas inserted into a Rayonet Photochemical reaction instrument. Thesample was irradiated for 30 min using a >300 nm (Pyrex filtered)radiation while being constantly agitated by a stream of argon which waspassed via needle. After this period, the irradiation was stopped andthe quartz tube was taken out of the reactor. The formation of a curedgel was observed. The thermal properties: Char yield at 1000° C. (inN₂): 78%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 90%. T_(g): −32° C. Thematerial formed was thus found to be elastomeric and thermally andthermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 35

Curing of the product Example 2 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Rh₂(COD)₂(μ-Cl)₂ catalyst(enough to react one of the triple bonds of the ethynyl bond) intoluene—A flame-dried 50 mL Schlenk flask was charged with 10 mg (0.0201mmol) of Rh₂(COD)₂(μ-Cl)₂ under argon in a dry box. A 2 mL solution of0.2 g of product from Example 2 (0.438 mmol) in anhydrous toluene wasprepared in another flame-dried flask. This solution was transferred viacannula into the flask containing the catalyst. Using a 500 μL syringe,0.1 mL of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.274 mmol) was syringed intothe mixture and it was introduced into an oil bath at 70° C. Thereaction was instantaneous as evidenced by the darkening of the color ofthe mixture. The mixture was stirred for 30 min at this temperature andthen the volatiles were removed with vacuum. A cured gel resulted. Thethermal properties: Char yield at 1000° C. (in N₂): 75%. Char yield at1000° C. (in air): 88%. T_(g): −33° C. The material formed was thusfound to be elastomeric and thermally and thermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 36

Curing of the product from Example 1 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the chloroplatinic acid catalyst,H₂PtCl₆.6H₂O (heterogeneous catalysis)—In a reaction vial was added 0.2g (0.434 mmol) of product from Example 1. A 0.08 mL portion oftetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.217 mmol, Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1:1) wasadded via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorously using amechanical stirrer for 2 minutes. A drop of a 0.05 M H₂PtCl₆.6H₂Ocatalyst solution (prepared by dissolving 0.13 g of the catalyst in 5 mLTHF) was added to the mixture using a 500 μL syringe. The mixture wasstirred vigorously using a mechanical stirrer for 2 minutes. After 40hr, the contents of the flask were heated at 100° C. for 2 hr on a hotplate. A gel was observed to form. The films or the disks formed wereclear and were void-free. The thermal properties: Char yield at 1000° C.(in N₂): 60%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 78%. T_(g): −39° C. Theduration for the reaction is much longer than that observed with theKarstedt catalyst or the Pt(acac)₂ catalyst. The material formed wasthus found to be elastomeric and thermally and thermo-oxidativelystable.

EXAMPLE 37

Curing of the product from Example 1 with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the chloroplatinic acid catalyst,H₂PtCl₆.6H₂O (at a Si—H:vinyl ratio of 0.75:1)—The curing in Example 36was repeated with a Si—H:vinyl ratio of 0.75:1. However, the product wasmore fluid than the one obtained in Example 36.

EXAMPLE 38

Curing of Example 1 product with the cross-linkertetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the chloroplatinic acid catalyst,H₂PtCl₆.6H₂O (at a Si—H:vinyl ratio of 0.5:1)—The curing in Example 36was repeated with a Si—H:vinyl ratio of 0.5:1. However, the product wasmore fluid than the one obtained in Example 36.

EXAMPLE 39

Curing of the product from Example 1 with a 1:1 mixture of cross-linkerstetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and methyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silaneusing the Karstedt catalyst (at a Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1)—In areaction vial was added 0.2 g (0.434 mmol) of product from Example 1. A0.5 mL portion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mixwas thoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500μL syringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. Amixture of 0.05 mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and 0.075mL methyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1) wasadded via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorously for 2 min.The curing was instantaneous. The thermal properties: Char yield at1000° C. (in N₂): 68%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 80%. T_(g):below −70° C. The material formed was thus found to be elastomeric andthermally and thermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 40

Curing of the product from Example 1 with a 1:1 mixture of cross-linkerstetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silaneusing the Karstedt catalyst (at a Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1)—In areaction vial was added 0.2 g (0.434 mmol) of product from Example 1. A0.5 mL portion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mixwas thoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500μL syringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. Amixture of 0.05 mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and 0.085mL phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1) wasadded via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorously for 2 min.The curing was instantaneous. The thermal properties: Char yield at1000° C. (in N₂): 72%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 85%. Glasstransition temperature: below −55° C. The material formed was thus foundto be elastomeric and thermally and thermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 41

Curing of the product from Example 3 with a 1:1 mixture of cross-linkerstetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and methyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silaneusing the Karstedt catalyst (at a Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1)—In areaction vial was added 0.235 g (0.208 mmol) of product from Example 3.A 0.5 mL portion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mixwas thoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500μL syringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. Amixture of 0.025 mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and 0.038mL methyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1) wasadded via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorously for 2 min.The curing was instantaneous. The thermal properties: Char yield at1000° C. (in N₂): 48%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 68%. T_(g):below −70° C. The material formed was thus found to be elastomeric andthermally and thermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 42

Curing of the product from Example 3 with a 1:1 mixture of cross-linkerstetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silaneusing the Karstedt catalyst (at a Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1)—In areaction vial was added 0.235 g (0.208 mmol) of product from Example 3.A 0.5 mL portion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mixwas thoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500μL syringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. Amixture of 0.025 mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and 0.043mL. phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1) wasadded via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorously for 2 min.The curing was instantaneous. The thermal properties: Char yield at1000° C. (in N₂): 47%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 65%. T_(g):below −70° C. The material formed was thus found to be elastomeric andthermally and thermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 43

Curing of the product from Example 4 with a 1:1 mixture of cross-linkerstetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and methyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silaneusing the Karstedt catalyst (at a Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1)—In areaction vial was added 0.25 g (0.207 mmol) of product from Example 4. A0.5 mL portion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mixwas thoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 minutes. Using a500 μL syringe, a drop of the Karstedt hydrosilation catalyst solutionwas added to the mixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutesas before. A mixture of 0.025 mL portion oftetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and 0.038 mLmethyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1) was addedvia syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorously for 2 min. Thecuring was instantaneous. The thermal properties: Char yield at 1000° C.(in N₂): 47%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 66%. T_(g): below −70° C.The material formed was thus found to be elastomeric and thermally andthermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 44

Curing of the product from Example 4 with a 1:1 mixture of cross-linkerstetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silaneusing the Karstedt catalyst (at a Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1)—In areaction vial was added 0.25 g (0.207 mmol) of product from Example 4. A0.5 mL portion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mixwas thoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500μL syringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. Amixture of 0.025 mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and 0.043mL phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1) wasadded via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorously for 2 min.The curing was instantaneous. The thermal properties: Char yield at1000° C. (in N₂): 46%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 62%. T_(g):below −70° C. The material formed was thus found to be elastomeric andthermally and thermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 45

Curing of the product from Example 2 with a 1:1 mixture of cross-linkerstetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and methyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silaneusing the Karstedt catalyst (at a Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1)—In areaction vial was added 0.2 g (0.438 mmol) of product from Example 2. A0.5 mL portion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mixwas thoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500μL syringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. Amixture of 0.05 mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and 0.075mL methyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1) wasadded via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorously for 2 min.The curing was instantaneous. The thermal properties: Char yield at1000° C. (in N₂): 75%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 88%. T_(g):below −50° C. The material formed was thus found to be elastomeric andthermally and thermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 46

Curing of the product from Example 2 with a 1:1 mixture of cross-linkerstetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silaneusing the Karstedt catalyst (at a Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1)—In areaction vial was added 0.2 g (0.438 mmol) of product from Example 2. A0.5 mL portion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mixwas thoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500μL syringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. Amixture of 0.05 mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and 0.085mL phenyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1) wasadded via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorously for 2 min.The curing was instantaneous. The thermal properties: Char yield at1000° C. (in N₂): 78%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 90%. T_(g):below −30° C. The material formed was thus found to be elastomeric andthermally and thermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 47

Curing of the product from Example 6 with a 1:1 mixture of cross-linkerstetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and methyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silaneusing the Karstedt catalyst (at a Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1)—In areaction vial was added 0.26 g (0.22 mmol) of product from Example 6. A0.5 mL portion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mixwas thoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500μL syringe, a drop of the Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. Amixture of 0.025 mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and 0.038mL methyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1) wasadded via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorously for 2 min.The curing was instantaneous. The thermal properties: Char yield at1000° C. (in N₂): 62%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 88%. T_(g):below −70° C. The material formed was thus found to be elastomeric andthermally and thermo-oxidatively stable.

EXAMPLE 48

Curing of the product from Example 10 with a 1:1 mixture ofcross-linkers tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane andmethyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane using the Karstedt catalyst (at aSi—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1)—In a reaction vial was added 0.32 g ofproduct from Example 10. A 0.5 mL portion of distilled hexanes was addedto the vial and the mix was thoroughly stirred using a mechanicalstirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μL syringe, a drop of the Karstedthydrosilation catalyst solution was added to the mixture and wasthoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. A mixture of 0.025 mLportion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane and 0.038 mLmethyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane (Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.3:1) was addedvia syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorously for 2 min. Thecuring was instantaneous. The thermal properties: Char yield at 1000° C.(in N₂): 45%. Char yield at 1000° C. (in air): 60%. T_(g): below −70° C.The material formed was thus found to be elastomeric and thermally andthermo-oxidatively stable.

Coating Studies

EXAMPLE 49

Application of the product from Example 11 as a thermo-oxidative barriercoating for the high performance fiber Zylon—1 g (2.17 mmol) of productfrom Example 1 and 0.55 mL (1.49 mmol) of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silanewere taken in a 1½ inches× 1/2 inch vial and were mixed vigorously usinga mechanical stirrer for 2 min. 1 mL of hexane was added to it and themixture was further mechanically stirred for 2 min. The procedure wasrepeated after addition of 2 drops of a 2000 ppm Pt Karstedt catalystsolution in xylene using a 500 μL gas-tight syringe (The 2000 ppmKarstedt catalyst solution was obtained by diluting 0.5 mL of a 2.1-2.4%Pt concentration Karstedt catalyst solution in xylene obtained fromGelest, Inc. to 5 mL with distilled xylene in a side arm Schlenk tubeunder argon). Further drops of the catalyst were added in the followingprogression and the mixture was stirred well after each addition using amechanical stirrer. The 3^(rd) drop was added after 3 min, the 4^(th) atthe 4^(th) min, 5^(th) at 6^(th), 6^(th) at 8^(th), 7^(th) at 10^(th),8^(th) at 13^(th), 9^(th) at 15^(th) and the 10^(th) and final drop atthe 18^(th) min. By the 5^(th) drop the vial had become warmer due tothe exothermic nature of the hydrosilation reaction. A visible increasein the viscosity of the mixture and the appearance of a yellow colorwere also observed. After the addition of the 10^(th) drop, the mixturewas stirred on the stirrer for 7 more min. At this time, an inch longZylon fiber was dropped into the mixture and was left in for about 7 minto obtain a coating of the in situ-formed Example 11 product. Then thefiber was taken out and was cured at 300° C. in N₂ for 3 hr. Thethermo-oxidative stability of the fiber was determined from itsthermogram obtained to 1000° C. in air in a TGA instrument at a flowrate of 100 cc/min. The percentage weight retention of the coated fiberwas 77%. This represents a dramatic improvement over the percentageweight retention of the uncoated Zylon fiber, which is 8%.

EXAMPLE 50

Application of the product from Example 7 as a thermo-oxidative barriercoating for the high performance fiber Zylon—1 g (2.17 mmol) of productfrom Example 1 and 0.55 mL (2.604 mmol) of1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethyltrisiloxane were taken in a 1½ inches× 1/2 inchvial and were mixed vigorously using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. 1mL of hexane was added to it and the mixture was further mechanicallystirred for 2 min. The procedure was repeated after addition of 2 dropsof a 2000 ppm Pt Karstedt catalyst solution in xylene using a 500 μLgas-tight syringe. Addition of further drops and coating of the fiberwere as made as in Example 45. The coated fiber was cured at 300° C. inN₂ for 3 hr and its thermo-oxidative stability was determined. Thepercentage weight retention of the coated fiber was 67%.

EXAMPLE 51

Application of the product from Example 8 as a thermo-oxidative barriercoating for the high performance fiber Zylon—1 g (2.17 mmol) of productfrom Example 1 and 0.71 mL (2.604 mmol) of1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octamethyltetrasiloxane were taken in a 1½ inches× 1/2inch vial and were mixed vigorously using a mechanical stirrer for 2min. 1 mL of hexane was added to it and the mixture was furthermechanically stirred for 2 min. The procedure was repeated afteraddition of 2 drops of a 2000 ppm Pt Karstedt catalyst solution inxylene using a 500 μL gas-tight syringe. Addition of further drops andcoating of the fiber were as made as in Example 45. The coated fiber wascured at 300° C. in N₂ for 3 hr and its thermo-oxidative stability wasdetermined. The percentage weight retention of the coated fiber was 65%.

EXAMPLE 52

Application of the product from Example 24 as a thermo-oxidative barriercoating of the high performance fiber Zylon—1 g (2.17 mmol) of productfrom Example 1 and 0.35 mL (1.085 mmol) of1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octamethyltetrasiloxane were taken in a 1½ inches× 1/2inch vial and were mixed vigorously stirred using a mechanical stirrerfor 2 min. Using a 500 μL syringe, two drops of a 2000 ppm Pt Karstedtcatalyst solution was added to the mixture and was thoroughly stirredfor two more minutes as before. A 0.05 mL portion oftetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.1296 mmol; Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.25:1)was added via syringe to the mixture and was stirred vigorously for 2min. Addition of further drops and coating of the fiber were made as inExample 45. The coated Zylon fiber was cured at 300° C. in N₂ for 3 hrand its thermo-oxidative stability was determined. The percentage weightretention of the coated fiber was 69%.

EXAMPLE 53

Application of the product from Example 11 as a thermo-oxidative barriercoating of the high performance fiber Keviar—1 g (2.17 mmol) of productfrom Example 1 and 0.55 mL (1.49 mmol) of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silanewere taken in a 1½ inches× 1/2 inch vial and were mixed vigorously usinga mechanical stirrer for 2 min. 1 mL of hexane was added to it and themixture was further mechanically stirred for 2 min. The procedure wasrepeated after addition of 2 drops of a 2000 ppm Pt Karstedt catalystsolution in xylene using a 500 μL gas-tight syringe. Addition of furtherdrops and coating of the fiber were as made as in Example 45. The coatedKevlar fiber was cured at 300° C. in N₂ for 3 hr and itsthermo-oxidative stability was determined. The percentage weightretention of the coated fiber was 72%. This represents a dramaticimprovement over the percentage weight retention of the uncoated Kevlarfiber, which is 6%.

EXAMPLE 54

Application of the product from Example 25 as a thermo-oxidative barriercoating of the high performance fiber Zylon—In a 1½ inches× 1/2 inchvial was taken 0.2 g (0.438 mmol) of product from Example 2. A 0.5 mLportion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mix wasthoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μLsyringe, two drops of a 2000 ppm Pt Karstedt catalyst solution was addedto the mixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes asbefore. A 0.1 mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.2715 mmol;Si—H:ethynyl ratio of 1.25:1) was added via syringe to the mixture andwas stirred vigorously for 2 min. Addition of further drops and coatingof the fiber were made as in Example 45. The coated Zylon fiber wascured at 300° C. in N₂ for 3 hr and its thermo-oxidative stability wasdetermined. The percentage weight retention of the coated fiber is 80%.

EXAMPLE 55

Application of the product from Example 28 as a thermo-oxidative barriercoating of the high performance fiber Zylon—In a 1½ inches× 1/2 inchvial was taken 0.26 g (0.22 mmol) of product from Example 8. A 0.5 mLportion of distilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mix wasthoroughly stirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μLsyringe, two drops of a 2000 ppm Pt Karstedt catalyst solution was addedto the mixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes asbefore. A 0.05 mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (0.14 mmol;Si—H:vinyl ratio of 1.25:1) was added via syringe to the mixture and wasstirred vigorously for 2 min. Addition of further drops and coating ofthe fiber were made as in Example 45. The coated Zylon fiber was curedat 300° C. in N₂ for 3 hr and its thermo-oxidative stability wasdetermined. The percentage weight retention of the coated fiber is 72%.

EXAMPLE 56

Application of the product from Example 29 as a thermo-oxidative barriercoating of the high performance fiber Zylon—In a 1½ inches× 1/2 inchvial was taken 0.32 g of product of Example 10. A 0.5 mL portion ofdistilled hexanes was added to the vial and the mix was thoroughlystirred using a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Using a 500 μL syringe,two drops of a 2000 ppm Pt Karstedt catalyst solution was added to themixture and was thoroughly stirred for two more minutes as before. A0.05 mL portion of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane was added via syringeto the mixture and was stirred vigorously for 2 min. Addition of furtherdrops and coating of the fiber were made as in Example 45. The coatedZylon fiber was cured at 300° C. in N₂ for 3 hr and its thermo-oxidativestability was determined. The percentage weight retention of the coatedfiber is 67%.

Conductive Properties

EXAMPLE 57

Dielectric constants (ε′) of the network polymers—Initial measurementsof the dielectric constants of the products from Example 7, Example 8,Example 11, Example 17, and Example 20 were conducted on their samplefilms made in circular Teflon molds of dimension 18 mm (diameter)×1 mm(thickness). The measurements were made on an Alpha analyzer of NovoControl dielectric measurement instrument and the ε′ (dielectricpermittivity) was calculated by the expression ε*=ε′−ε″. The frequencesused for the measurements ranged from 10¹ to 10⁶ Hz. TABLE 1 Example ε′7 0.26 8 0.48 11 0.52 17 0.47 20 0.27

EXAMPLE 58

Further extensive dielectric measurements and conductivity studiesperformed on the films of Example 11 and Example 17—The measurementfilms of Example 11 and Example 17 were made in circular Teflon molds ofdimension 50 mm (diameter)×1 mm (thickness). The samples were made byvigorously mixing 1.2 g each of product from Example 1 with 0.6 mL oftetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane or 0.67 mL ofmethyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane, respectively, in a mechanical stirrerwith a volume of 0.5 mL of hexanes. The hydrosilation was completed byadding a drop of a 2000 ppm Pt Karstedt catalyst solution using a 500 μLsyringe followed by vigorous mixing. The cured samples were transferredonto the Teflon molds wherein they formed uniform films that were usedfor measurements. Conductivity data were obtained by HP Megger and TDDSinstruments (value in parentheses) by the Electrical Insulation ResearchInstitute at the University of Connecticut, Storrs. Measurements weremade on the films as received and also after drying them in a vacuumoven for 20 hr. TABLE 2 after 60° C. in Example as received vacuum ovenfor 20 hr dielectric constant 11  420 pS/m (316)  305 pS/m (330) 4-5 172400 pS/m (3300) 1700 pS/m (1800) 8

The conductivity values were found to be about 6-7 orders magnitudegreater than a typical insulator such as XLPE (linear polyethylene).This suggested that either the material is some form of a protonicconductor or has a very high ion content with a high ion mobility. Theabsence of a proton source in the materials, thus, implies that theorigin of the conductivity in the materials may be due to residualcatalyst Pt metal ions in them.

EXAMPLE 59

Conductivity measurements on a film of Example 11 formed by a 2000 ppmKarstedt catalyst solution to test for the effect of metal (Pt)concentration on the conductivity of Example 11—The same protocol as inExample 54 was followed for casting the film, except that a 2000 ppmKarstedt catalyst solution was used. The conductivity was 350 pS/m(315). The conductivity had reduced from 420 pS/m (for the film castwith a 2000 ppm Pt Karstedt catalyst solution) to 350 pS/m in the filmcast with a 2000 ppm Karstedt catalyst solution. A reduction wasobserved in the conductivity, however, it was not significant.

EXAMPLE 60

Dielectric measurements on films of hydrosilated products containing nocarborane moieties—Measurements were made on hydrosilated film versionsof Example 11 of that did not contain carboranes. This was done in orderto study the effect of carboranes in the conductivity of the productfrom Example 11. The films were made as follows.

Sample A: 1.0 g of 1,3-divinyltetramethyldisiloxane (5.36 mmol) and 0.88mL of 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octamethyltetrasiloxane (2.68 mmol) were mixedvigorously in a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Mixing was repeated afterthe addition of 0.5 mL of hexane and 5 drops of a 2000 ppm Karstedtcatalyst solution using a 500 μL syringe. 0.55 mL oftetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (1.67 mmol) and 5 more drops of a 2000ppm Karstedt catalyst solution, using a 500 μL syringe, were added tothe mixture and the mixing was repeated. Film of the product was formedin a circular Teflon mold of dimension 50 mm (diameter)×1 mm(thickness).

Sample B: 1.0 g of 1,5-divinyhexamethyltrisiloxane (3.84 mmol) and 0.63mL of 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octamethyltetrasiloxane (1.92 mmol) were mixedvigorously in a mechanical stirrer for 2 min. Mixing was repeated afterthe addition of 0.5 mL of hexane and 2 drops of a 2000 ppm Karstedtcatalyst solution using a 500 μL syringe. 0.39 mL oftetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (1.2 mmol) was added to the mixture andthe mixing was repeated. Film of the product was formed in a circularTeflon mold of dimension 50 mm (diameter)×1 mm (thickness).

The conductivity of Sample A was 0.1 pS/m, and the conductivity ofSample B was 0.01 pS/m. The conductivity values for Sample A and SampleB were about 2 orders of magnitude less than the corresponding valuesfor Example 11. Hence, it appears that electrical conductivity of thehydrosilated network materials depends on the concentrations of themetal (such as Pt) and the carborane constituents.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to beunderstood that the claimed invention may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described.

1. A compound comprising a repeat unit comprising the formula:

wherein each Q comprises groups selected from the group consisting of—SiR₂—, —SiR₂—O—, —C≡C—C≡C—, carboranyl, and U′; wherein each R and R′is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl,alkylaryl, haloalkyl, haloaryl, and mixtures thereof; wherein each U′ isan independently selected group derivable from hydrosilation of analkenyl group or an alkynyl group; wherein each T is independentlyselected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, haloalkyl,haloaryl, mixtures thereof, —(O—SiR′₂)_(x)H, and the repeat unit; andwherein each x and x′ is an independently selected positive integer. 2.The compound of claim 1, wherein the repeat unit comprises the formula:

wherein each C_(b) is an independently selected carboranyl group; andwherein each v and w is an independently selected positive integer. 3.The compound of claim 2, wherein C_(b) is selected from the groupconsisting of o-CB₁₀H₁₀C, m-CB₁₀H₁₀C, and p-CB₁₀H₁₀C.
 4. The compound ofclaim 2, wherein every R and R′ group is methyl.
 5. The compound ofclaim 2, wherein every v and w is
 1. 6. The compound of claim 2, whereinthe compound comprises the formula:

wherein each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting ofalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, haloalkyl, haloaryl, and mixtures thereof. 7.The compound of claim 2, wherein the compound comprises the formula:

wherein x″ is a positive integer; and wherein R″ is selected from thegroup consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, haloalkyl, haloaryl, andmixtures thereof.
 8. The compound of claim 2, wherein the compoundcomprises the formula:

wherein x″ and x′″ are positive integers.
 9. The compound of claim 2,wherein the compound comprises the formula:


10. The compound of claim 1, wherein each U′ is independently selectedfrom the group consisting of


11. The compound of claim 1, wherein at least one T group is selectedfrom the group consisting of methyl and phenyl.
 12. The compound ofclaim 1, wherein each x and x′ is independently selected from the groupconsisting of 1 and
 2. 13. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compoundcomprises one or more terminal units independently selected from thegroup consisting of H₂C═CH—, HC≡C—, HC≡C—C≡C—, U—, and U-Q-; whereineach U is an independently selected alkenyl group or alkynyl group. 14.The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound has elastomericproperties.
 15. A thermo-oxidative barrier coating comprising thecompound of claim
 1. 16. An insulating material comprising the compoundof claim
 1. 17. A compound comprising a repeat unit comprising theformula:U′—SiR′₂—(O—SiR′₂)_(x′)—U′-Q- wherein each Q comprises groups selectedfrom the group consisting of —SiR₂—, —SiR₂—O—, —C≡C—C≡C—, carboranyl,and U′; wherein each R and R′ is independently selected from the groupconsisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, haloalkyl, haloaryl, and mixturesthereof; wherein each U′ is an independently selected group derivablefrom hydrosilation of an alkenyl group or an alkynyl group; wherein eachx′ is an independently selected positive integer.
 18. The compound ofclaim 17, wherein the compound comprises the formula:U-Q-U′—SiR′₂—(O—SiR′₂)_(x′)—U′-Q-U; wherein each U is an independentlyselected alkenyl group or alkynyl group.
 19. The compound of claim 17,wherein the compound comprises the formula:

wherein each C_(b) is an independently selected carboranyl group; andwherein each v and w is an independently selected positive integer. 20.The compound of claim 19, wherein each C_(b) is independently selectedfrom the group consisting of o-CB₁₀H₁₀C, m-CB₁₀H₁₀C, and p-CB₁₀H₁₀C;wherein every R and R′ is methyl; and wherein every v and w is
 1. 21. Aprocess of making a compound comprising the steps of: providing acarborane-siloxane precursor comprising the formula:U-Q-U; wherein Q comprises groups selected from the group consisting of—SiR₂—, —SiR₂—O—, —C≡C—C≡C—, carboranyl, and U; wherein each U is anindependently selected alkenyl group or alkynyl group; wherein each R isindependently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl,alkylaryl, haloalkyl, haloaryl, and mixtures thereof; providing asiloxane crosslinker comprising the formula:SiR″_(n)[(O—SiR′₂)_(x)H]_(4-n); wherein each R′ and R″ is independentlyselected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, haloalkyl,haloaryl, and mixtures thereof; wherein each x is an independentlyselected positive integer; and wherein n is selected from the groupconsisting of 0, 1, and 2; and reacting the carborane-siloxane precursorwith the siloxane crosslinker in the presence of a hydrosilationcatalyst.
 22. The process of claim 21, wherein the carborane-siloxaneprecursor comprises the formula:U—(SiR₂—O)_(v)—SiR₂—C_(b)—SiR₂—(O—SiR₂)_(w)—U wherein C_(b) is acarboranyl group; and wherein v and w are positive integers.
 23. Theprocess of claim 22, wherein C_(b) is selected from the group consistingof o-CB₁₀H₁₀C, m-CB₁₀H₁₀C, and p-CB₁₀H₁₀C.
 24. The process of claim 22,wherein every R, R′, and R″ group is methyl.
 25. The process of claim22, wherein v and w are
 1. 26. The process of claim 21, wherein thesiloxane crosslinker comprises the formula:

wherein x′ is a positive integer.
 27. The process of claim 21, whereinthe siloxane crosslinker comprises the formula:

wherein x′ and x″ are positive integers.
 28. The process of claim 21,wherein the siloxane crosslinker comprises the formula:

wherein x′, x″, and x′″ are positive integers.
 29. The process of claim21, wherein each R″ is independently selected from the group consistingmethyl and phenyl.
 30. The process of claim 21, wherein each U isindependently selected from the group consisting of H₂C═CH—, HC≡C—, andHC≡C—C≡C—.
 31. The process of claim 21, wherein each x is independentlyselected from the group consisting of 1 and
 2. 32. The process of claim21, wherein the carborane-siloxane precursor is selected from the groupconsisting of 1,7-bis(vinyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane and1,7-bis(ethynyltetramethyldisiloxyl)m-carborane.
 33. The process ofclaim 21, wherein the siloxane crosslinker is selected from the groupconsisting of tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane, methyltris(dimethylsiloxy)silane, phenyl tris(dimethylsiloxy)silane,1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethyltrisiloxane, and1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octamethyltetrasiloxane.
 34. The process of claim 21,wherein the hydrosilation catalyst is selected from the group consistingof Karstedt catalyst, Speier's catalyst, chloroplatinic acid, Pt(COD)₂,Pt(PPh₃)₄, PtCl₂(PPh₃)₂, [Rh(COD)Cl]₂, PtCl₂(PhCN)₂, PtCl₂(diop),PtCl₂(dppb), RhCl(PPh₃)₃, Cp*Rh(C₂H₄)(SiR₃)H, PhCl₃.3H₂O, Rh(PPh)₃Cl,[Cp*Rh]₂Cl₄, [Cp*Rh₂]Cl₃H, {[Cp*Rh]₂(OH)₃}⁺, Me₂SiCp*₂Th(n-Bu)₂,Pt(acac)₂, and Fe(CO)₅.
 35. The process of claim 21, wherein thereacting step is a homogenous hydrosilation.
 36. The process of claim21, wherein the reacting step is a non-aqueous heterogeneoushydrosilation.
 37. The process of claim 21, wherein the reacting step isan aqueous heterogeneous hydrosilation.
 38. The process of claim 21,wherein the reacting step is a photochemical hydrosilation.
 39. Theprocess of claim 21, wherein the compound formed in the reacting stepcomprises unsaturated hydrocarbon groups; and further comprising thestep of reacting the compound with the same or another siloxanecrosslinker in the presence of a hydrosilation catalyst.